Russia, EU to enhance cooperation channels soon — diplomat

A diplomat notes Russia and the EU have common interests in various areas

MOSCOW, October 6. /TASS/. Russia and the European Union plan to carry out an inventory of channels of cooperation in the near future, head of Foreign Ministry’s department of European cooperation Andrei Kelin said on Thursday.

"Russia and the EU have common interests in various areas," the diplomat said. "In the near future, we plan to carry out a mutual inventory of interior channels and look at what we should do together."

"I know that the EU is thinking now about what areas need to be refreshed and restored, and there are more than 20 directions of cooperation in the area of law enforcement agencies," he said.

"I can’t say that Russia has a strategy in relations with the EU," he said. "Russia remains one of the largest EU partners, including in trade, despite the 40% decrease in trade turnover in 2015."

Kelin said there is no obstacle for a serious dialogue and integration between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU. This will "facilitate free trade, movement of labor, capitals and in general will contribute to building a single economic and humanitarian space."

"We are ready for open and fair work with European and Western partners in all areas," the diplomat added.